Elke Schon’s “September” sits in the uncertainty of wanting someone without knowing if the feeling can last. Moody acoustic guitars and strings give the alternative pop track a sense of distance, while her expressive vocals bring the desire closer. The song stays with the question of whether attraction can become something more.
Written in 2022, “September” comes from the experience of falling for someone while doubting what they feel in return. Lust and longing pull toward the other person, but the possibility of heartbreak remains in view. The song does not need an answer to keep that uncertainty alive.
After a three-year hiatus, Schon returns to a song she has carried from its early writing into live performances and studio production with Aaron Shanahan and the Imaginemusic team. The acoustic guitars and strings leave room for her voice to hold the question open. September arrives, and wanting someone is still no guarantee.
For those who might not know you yet, how would you introduce yourself?
emotional people, overthinkers, and anyone who feels things a little too deeply. I’ve always been drawn to music that makes you feel something, whether that’s heartbreak, nostalgia or just staring out a car window dramatically.
If you had to bottle up your sound into just three words, which ones would you choose?
Dramatic, heartbreaking, melancholic.
Which artists (not only music-related) or moments have left the biggest mark on your music?
Radiohead have had a big influence on the sounds I gravitate towards. Although the genres are very different I love working with my producer producer to find little ways to bring in that Radiohead atmosphere and experiment with it. I’m always picking apart sounds and textures I love and figuring out how I can make them my own.
When you hit play on your songs, what kind of feeling takes over?
Hopefully the feeling of being understood. I love music that makes you feel like someone has put a feeling into words that you can’t quite explain yourself. There’s something really special about feeling less alone in your own emotions, and that’s what I hope people get from my music.
If you could team up with anyone in the world, no limits, who would be that dream collaborator?
Jeff Buckley, without a doubt. I genuinely think he was one of the greatest singer-songwriters. His voice and the way he could convey so much emotion through his songs are incredible. It’s such a loss that we never got to hear more from him, and I can only imagine what it would be like to create something with someone that talented.
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
I’m currently working on getting more of my music out and continuing to develop my sound. I’ve really enjoyed bringing my songs to life with a band this year, because they can take on a completely different energy live compared to the recorded versions. I’d love to keep releasing music, playing more shows and finding my people along the way. There’s plenty more I’m excited to share, so hopefully this is just the beginning.
Can you walk us through the story or emotion behind “September”?
“September” is about that space between wanting someone and not knowing where you stand with them. It’s that mix of lust, longing and uncertainty when you start falling for someone, but you’re not sure if they feel the same way or if it’s going to last. I actually wrote it back in 2022 and left it alone for a few years before revisiting it. Bringing it back into rehearsals with the band made me hear it differently, and it eventually became the version it is now. I think the song captures that feeling of wanting something so badly while also being scared of what might happen.
